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💡 Open Enrollment runs from November 1st - 15th. Any changes made during Open Enrollment take effect in January. You need to email [email protected] and submit all forms within 60 days after a Qualifying Life Event, if you want to make changes to benefits enrollment outside of this annual open enrollment period.
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We are not changing our insurance providers and there are no changes to the plans offered. Our medical premiums are increasing by 5%, but every year the City contributes up to 6% more towards medical premiums. This means in 2026 no plans require any employee contribution and HSA amounts have increased. Dental premiums have gone up this year by 12%, but the Whatcom Fire Trust is going to cover the difference in rates for 2026.
Presentation and Financial Comparison
Whatcom Fire_Enrollment Guide 2026.pdf
2026 Rate Spreadsheets.pdf
LEOFF Trust Medical Plan Summaries
LEOFF Plan F - 2025 SBC.pdf
LEOFF Plan H - 2025 SBC.pdf
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You do not need to fill out a new LEOFF Trust Enrollment form unless you want to change your plan or who is covered.
- None of the medical plans have any employee cost, please look at the presentation and rate sheet below for detailed info.
- If any forms ask you for the “event” date, it is 1/1/2026, reason is “Open Enrollment”
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⚕️ STEP 1:
If you want to switch plans or change who is enrolled in your plan, complete this LEOFF TRUST Enrollment Form
(Option 1) Plan F – Low-Deductible ($100 Deductible)
(Option 2) Plan H – ****High-Deductible/HSA ($2000/$4000 Deductible)
(Option 3) Medical Insurance Opt-Out – The City requires a new opt-out form EVERY YEAR. Opt-Out amounts can be found on the Rate document (above).
Medical Benefit Opt Out Form.pdf
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STEP 2: Complete additional forms as needed.
- (Optional) COB Voluntary HSA Contributions: If your enrolled tier is not already fully funded by the City, you can voluntarily contribute additional HSA money up to the IRS annual maximum of $4400/Individual or $8750/family. Please note that the form is asking for the amount per paycheck that you want contributed (twice a month). Email your completed form to [email protected]. Refer to the Rate Sheet for maximum voluntary contribution amounts.
- (Optional) City of Bellingham Flexible Spending (FSA) Form: If you want to set money aside in a flexible spending account, you will need to complete the enrollment form. Make sure that you choose the correct type of FSA. If you have questions, view the Staff Central page or contact [email protected]
Update Beneficiaries
COB Beneficiary Designation Information.pdf
New York Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation Form.pdf
- (Optional) NY Life Insurance Beneficiary: The City is requesting that everyone complete a new NY Life Beneficiary form if you haven’t completed one recently. They said they have very few on-file as most people forget to submit these. Print the form out and send it to [email protected]
- (Optional) Long-Term Disability Beneficiary: Hartford LTD Beneficiary – This policy is managed by L106. Please ensure the beneficiary areas are accurate and complete.
Review Deferred Comp (457b) Contributions
- (Recommended) Review your Deferred Compensation contribution amounts. For 2026, the maximum annual contribution increases to $24,500 and you have the option for post-tax (ROTH) contributions. The age 50+ catch-up contribution is still $11,250/year ($35,750/year total)
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👉
Read next: Retiring Soon?
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👈 Read previous: Other Qualifying Life Events
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☝
Related: New Hire Enrollment
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